This is a massive display of confidence from Google that a fully-fledged return to the office is in sight. After both mandating that employees must be fully vaccinated and announcing a flexible return to work plan, Google has shown itself to be a significant force for progress in the unprecedented times of the global pandemic. This isn’t Google’s first real estate purchase in New York City, as it already owns two Chelsea-based office spaces, accommodating around 12,000 employees. As a building in central New York, it’s bound to cost a lot just by virtue of its location. There isn’t a company out there that wouldn’t want a New York office, so competition for the real estate is fierce. It’s also being developed as a green office building, with a rooftop garden, open spaces, and various plant life around the building. There are also old railway tracks within the building that are being incorporated into the design. You can be sure that the building will have all of Google’s classic fixings as well, like creative think spaces, and ergonomic spots to chill out. With all this development necessary, it’s estimated that the office will be ready by 2023, meaning that Google isn’t in a massive rush to return to the office, but it does view the return as an inevitability. This office opening will also supposedly increase Google’s NYC employee count from 12,000 to around 14,000. However, office working isn’t the best choice for everyone. Many tech companies, such as Facebook, have decided to forgo offices entirely for some employees, saving the rent money and allowing employees to work from home full-time. The effects of this will range from the business’s industry and work culture, but smaller companies are certainly entertaining the option. In fact, 44% of employees and 51% of businesses favor hybrid work, with a few more stating that fully remote work is also being considered. Many businesses with jobs that don’t need to be operated in person are realising that there is little need for investing in a full workspace when home working is just as efficient. If you’re a business owner looking to transition to hybrid working, you’ll need some software to help you make the switch. Some important software to start out with is project management software, which can help you keep tabs on your team while not in the same room.
